From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
What began as a goodwill gesture to the newly inaugurated Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, has developed into another round of political contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), government in Kwara State, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with both sides highlighting their contributions to the state’s foremost Islamic institution.
The debate followed separate donations by former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to the Chief Imam and the Ilorin Emirate’s religious leadership.
Saraki had visited the residence of the Chief Imam shortly after arriving in Ilorin, where he congratulated the cleric on his appointment and presented him with a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser, a cash donation of N5 million and other logistical support to assist him in carrying out his religious and community responsibilities.
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Reacting to the development, the Kwara State chapter of the PDP described the gesture as an example of “people-centred leadership,” arguing that it reflected compassion, respect for traditional institutions and commitment to public service.
In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP criticised Governor AbdulRazaq over what it described as a delay in fulfilling an earlier promise to provide official transportation for the Chief Imam.
The opposition party claimed the governor’s promise had remained unfulfilled for nearly two months and suggested that any subsequent action could be viewed as a response to Saraki’s intervention.
“For close to two months, the welfare needs of the Chief Imam received no attention from the Governor despite his promise. It would therefore be unfortunate if the government suddenly wakes up only after Dr. Saraki has once again demonstrated what genuine leadership looks like. Kwarans should see through any such hurried attempt at image management,” the statement read.
The PDP added that “leadership is measured by timely action, not by promises that have to wait for Saraki’s action to be executed,” while maintaining that supporting religious institutions in the Ilorin Emirate was an investment in peace, unity and the preservation of the area’s heritage.
However, hours after the PDP statement, the Kwara State Government announced that Governor AbdulRazaq had fulfilled his earlier pledge by presenting four official vehicles to the Chief Imam and the Council of Ulamah of the Ilorin Emirate.
The presentation, held at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, included a brand new Toyota Prado for the Chief Imam, a bus for the Council of Ulamah, a jeep for Imam Imale, Sheikh Abdullahi AbdulHameed, and another jeep for Imam Gambari, Sheikh AbdulAzeez Sulaiman.
Represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salau, Governor AbdulRazaq, said the vehicles were presented in support of the Emir of Ilorin, the Emirate Council and the Council of Ulamah.
“What is happening today is practical fulfilment of that promise, in terms of a Toyota SUV GX, brand new, delivered to the Chief Imam. But in addition to that, the Governor has also extended his gesture to the Council of Ulamah… by giving them a bus… and has also included the Imam Imale and the Imam Gambari,” Salau said on behalf of the governor.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Emir of Ilorin commended Governor AbdulRazaq for redeeming his promise to the Chief Imam and for supporting religious institutions in the state. He prayed for divine guidance and wisdom for the governor in the administration of the state.
The Chief Imam also expressed appreciation for the donation, saying the vehicles would ease transportation challenge faced by the religious leaders.
“I give thanks to Almighty Allah and I am very grateful to our amiable Governor. May Almighty Allah continue to protect and guide him from all evils. We really appreciate what he did for us. The bus will assist the Ulamah to move together easily anytime we have an occasion,” the Chief Imam said.
The exchange has further underscored the growing political rivalry between the APC-led state government and the PDP in Kwara, with both camps seeking to project themselves as stronger supporters of the Ilorin Emirate’s religious and traditional institutions ahead of future political contests.
